Gold Prices Plummet in Bangladesh as Kiyosaki Signals Continued Interest Amidst Global Economic Concerns

Gold prices in Bangladesh have experienced a notable downturn, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announcing further reductions. The price of 22-carat gold has been lowered by Tk 2,216 per bhari, bringing the new price, inclusive of VAT, to Tk 226,340 per bhari, effective from Saturday morning. This marks the second consecutive day of price drops, totaling a substantial reduction of Tk 6,590 per bhari over two days.

Previously, BAJUS had reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 4,374 per bhari to Tk 228,556 on Friday, including VAT. These recent adjustments are attributed to a decline in the local market price of pure gold, also known as 'acid gold', and the adoption of a new VAT system by BAJUS. Under the government's proposal in the national budget for FY2026-27, the previous 5 percent VAT has been replaced with a fixed VAT of Tk 2,500 per bhari on gold ornaments, leading to an initial decrease of Tk 9,013 per bhari for 22-carat gold ornaments under this new method, effective Thursday.

The pricing adjustments also extend to other purities. The price of 21-carat gold ornaments has been set at Tk 216,192 per bhari, while 18-carat gold is priced at Tk 185,691 per bhari. Traditional-method gold ornaments will now sell for Tk 151,690 per bhari. It is important to note that VAT is now included in the selling price of gold ornaments, meaning jewellers are not permitted to collect VAT separately from customers.

In the context of these domestic price shifts, the term 'bhari' is a traditional unit of measurement for gold and silver jewelry in several South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. One bhari of 22-carat gold is equivalent to 11.664 grams. This unit is often used interchangeably with 'tola' in these regions.

Beyond the local market dynamics in Bangladesh, renowned investor and 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author Robert Kiyosaki continues to monitor gold, silver, and Bitcoin, despite their recent price declines. Kiyosaki emphasizes that the broader economic 'context' or environment, rather than short-term price fluctuations, is the crucial factor in determining whether these 'hard assets' are worth holding. He has previously advocated for exchanging what he terms 'fake money' for 'real money,' consistently including Bitcoin alongside precious metals in his investment philosophy.

Kiyosaki's ongoing interest comes amidst growing economic concerns, which historically often make gold and silver attractive as safe-haven assets. Economic factors such as inflation, stock market volatility, and the strength of the U.S. dollar significantly influence precious metal prices. When inflation rises, gold and silver become more appealing as stores of value due to the declining purchasing power of paper currency. Similarly, investors often turn to these metals during stock market downturns to hedge against losses.

Conversely, a strong U.S. dollar can sometimes lead to a decrease in metal values as gold and silver typically move inversely to the dollar. Geopolitical events, including wars, international conflicts, and trade tensions, also create economic uncertainty that drives demand for safe-haven assets like gold and silver. Kiyosaki specifically noted he is watching prices of gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum on technical charts and intends to buy when prices show a technical reversal from their decline. He maintains a long-term bullish outlook for gold, projecting it could reach as high as $35,000 an ounce by 2035, building on earlier calls that anticipated significant increases under severe monetary stress.

Despite his strong advocacy for these assets, Kiyosaki has also cautioned against purchasing them purely on 'hype,' stressing the importance of due diligence. His investment strategy is rooted in a belief that current political and banking leaders are either failing to fix the economy or actively making it worse, leading him to view dips as buying opportunities. The recent price adjustments in the Bangladeshi market and Kiyosaki's strategic long-term view underscore the complex interplay of local tax policies, global market movements, and investor sentiment that continuously shape the value of precious metals and digital assets worldwide.